Chadwick Boseman “Felt Very Sure” He Would Survive Cancer Battle

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Simone Ledward Boseman is thinking of Chadwick Boseman’s tenacious spirit. 

More than five years after Chadwick Boseman, the star of Black Panther, passed away from colon cancer at the age of 43, his wife is now speaking about his private struggle with the disease.

Simone shared in a recent interview with Today that she and others were confident he would recover. While they knew it would be difficult—involving surgery and chemotherapy—they believed he’d make a full recovery and weren’t seriously considering the possibility of a different outcome.

Although she was generally hopeful about her own health, singer Sahn—who was married to Chadwick when he died in August 2020—was stunned to learn he had been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer back in 2016.

She said she wasn’t aware he was sick until after he’d seen the doctor a couple of times. It happened quickly – he started feeling unwell just a few weeks before she found out.

Simone explained that colon cancer can be difficult to detect early, and Chadwick Boseman was very young – not yet at the age where he would typically consider getting a colonoscopy. The Mayo Clinic recommends starting preventative screenings around age 45.

I was so relieved when Chadwick went into remission in 2018. It felt like a huge weight lifted, especially knowing he was about to share his incredible portrayal of T’Challa, the Black Panther, with all of us. It was a truly exciting time, and we were all so eager to see him shine.

Looking back on that time, she became emotional. “It was an amazing year,” she said. “The film had such a huge impact all over the world – it’s hard to even describe. He truly deserved all the success he achieved. The fans were celebrating, and we were too, because we’d just learned he had a clean bill of health. It felt like a second chance for everyone.”

Despite being diagnosed with cancer, the 42-year-old’s condition worsened to stage 4 by the end of the year. Simone shared that her husband purposefully kept his illness private, and she acknowledged how difficult this time was.

She explained that Chad didn’t want special treatment because of his illness. He found purpose in his work and didn’t want his health to affect his performance. He wanted to be seen as capable of doing his job, even the physically demanding parts, like maneuvering in tight spaces or running outdoors.

Following Chadwick Boseman’s passing, Simone has consistently paid tribute to his memory. One example was when she delivered a speech honoring him during the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last September.

She shared that Chad was much more than just an actor; he was a deeply spiritual person, strengthened by his family and a close circle of friends who supported his faith. He had a dedicated team who believed in him, shielded him, and always had his back, as well as colleagues who shared his creative vision and formed a strong bond of camaraderie. She emphasized how important those relationships were, and expressed her gratitude.

Keep reading to see celebrities who have been open about their cancer battles…

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

Even after receiving difficult news, he shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that his cancer was gone thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define who they are. He shared that we are all bigger than our problems, and while he acknowledges his own fears, anxieties, and past hurts, he chooses to accept them as a necessary part of growth and healing. He believes that acknowledging and owning our struggles is the only way to overcome them.

The star of The Golden Bachelor announced in December 2024 that he has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for the condition, and that realization was incredibly difficult. He described feeling completely overwhelmed, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She happily added that she was now cancer-free.

The star of Up All Night is now cancer-free after completing treatment, which included a double mastectomy. Doctors confirmed there is no evidence of the disease remaining.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free after years of battling the disease.

In September 2018, the actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives publicly announced she was a survivor of anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that sharing the news, along with a photo and the hashtags #cancer and #hairloss, made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentic.

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment, and his representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, was treated for skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) for the third time in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has fully recovered.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the northern hemisphere that summer was approaching and to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen.

Oh my gosh, I was SO relieved to hear that my queen, a former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, hit her one-year mark of being cancer-free back in January! It just breaks my heart to think about it, but she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer way back in 2013 and had to have a really intense surgery, a radical hysterectomy. I’m just so incredibly happy and proud of her strength and recovery!

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The British celebrity chef revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure, sharing photos of the stitches – a line running from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was thankful for the amazing team at The Skin Associates who quickly removed his Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later happily welcomed two children with her husband, Taran Killam.

A television personality has shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars had successful surgery to treat thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the support! I’m home recovering and resting.”

The actress shared fantastic news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she was cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo!”

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She explained that her husband had urged her to get the mark checked, which led to the discovery and removal.

A man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist likely protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor best known for his role in 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well and appears healthy!

The actress, best known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight how important regular check-ups are and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was declared cancer-free the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

I was so moved when Robin Roberts, one of the hosts of Good Morning America, bravely showed the world her bald head while she was going through chemotherapy for breast cancer back in 2007. It was incredibly inspiring to see her strength and openness during such a difficult time.

After overcoming a battle with stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist went on to win an incredible seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a passionate advocate for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, bravely turned her experience with breast cancer into humor, which became the basis for her acclaimed one-woman show, God Said Ha!, that later played on Broadway.

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2026-03-20 22:48